October 6, 2026

Where to do judo in Cotonou?

In Cotonou, you can do judo at DojoLand, at two locations: Fidjrossè and Akpakpa. Classes are open from age 5, to children and adults alike, beginners included.

Class times

At Fidjrossè: Wednesday 7:15–8:15 pm and Saturday 4:45–5:45 pm. At Akpakpa: Wednesday 7:15–8:15 pm and Saturday 4:45–5:45 pm. The full schedule is on the Programme page.

What you learn

The core idea of judo is softness: rather than meeting force with force, you give way to a stronger opponent and redirect their force, which can overcome brute strength.

Learning to fall safely is a foundation of judo: rear, side and front breakfalls and rolls, known as ukemi. A 2022 review of 16 biomechanics studies (158 adult judoka) concluded that ukemi is essential for preventing head and neck injuries.

A typical class

A class lasts one hour and always has the same shape: a warm-up, then new theory or technique, then practice.

Sparring, practice fighting with a partner, is for more experienced students and takes place regularly. Beginners are not thrown into it.

Who is it for?

Classes are mixed: men, women and children train together. When the gap in age or level is too big, we often split the group.

To start, comfortable sportswear is enough. Later, you can buy a kimono (gi) and your equipment at the DojoLand shop.

We encourage parents to come and watch a training, and many go on to become members too.

Belts and tournaments

We hold belt gradings 2 to 3 times a year: the belt and certificate are handed over on the day. See the judo belt ceremony. Our students also take part in tournaments.

Did you know?

Judo was founded in Tokyo in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, whose school was called the Kodokan, "the place where the way is studied". He named his art judo, "the gentle way", by replacing "jutsu" (technique) with "do" (way), to stress its moral and educational side.

Judo joined the Olympic programme for men at Tokyo in 1964: in the open-category final, which had no weight limit, the Dutchman Anton Geesink beat Japan's Akio Kaminaga with a hold-down, the kesa-gatame. Women's judo has been a medal sport since Barcelona in 1992.

Coloured belts are newer than judo itself: according to the International Judo Federation, the white, yellow, orange, green, blue and brown series was developed in England in the mid-1920s.

Frequently asked questions

My child is shy, how do we start? Come and watch a training first: we encourage parents to do so. The first training is free.

Do I need to be flexible or strong to start? No, beginners are welcome. A 2025 review of 22 studies of practitioners up to age 15 linked regular judo with better strength, endurance, coordination, flexibility and balance than control groups, but 21 of those studies were observational.

Is judo dangerous? Judo involves being thrown, so there is a risk of injury. A 2013 review of the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games (top-level athletes) found an average injury risk of about 11 to 12%, mostly sprains, strains and bruises; severe injuries were rare. At DojoLand, sparring is reserved for more experienced students.

First training is free

You can come and try: the first training is free. Book it in advance with the manager, at reception or by WhatsApp.

How much does it cost?

The 1 Class plan (one discipline of your choice, at one location) costs 10,000 FCFA for one month, or 8,500 FCFA a month with a 12-month commitment (102,000 FCFA). The Unlimited plan (all disciplines, one location) is 20,000 FCFA a month. All plans are on the Prices page.

How to join

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